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Commissioner urges residents to report anti-social behaviour

Commissioner Lisa Townsend is encouraging victims of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) in Surrey to report all concerns straightaway and to the right organisation so that problems are dealt with effectively.

New research by You Gov and Resolve – the UK’s leading community safety organisation – reveals that more than 1 in 4 adults (28%) say that ASB has made them feel unsafe in their local area.

However, almost two-thirds (63%) of victims and witnesses who have experienced anti-social behaviour in the past three years did not report it to anyone.

ASB covers a wide range of issues and it's important for residents to be aware that it is tackled by different agencies, including Surrey Police, local councils and housing providers.

The Commissioner released an easily accessible one-page guide to the differing types of ASB and the various services to contact if you're being affected.

Lisa Townsend said: “Anti-social behaviour can have a detrimental impact on people’s lives and not dealing with it effectively can be devastating.

"That’s why I want to highlight the different types of anti-social behaviour and the relevant agencies to contact; the importance of timely reporting; and the support available to everyone".

Read more & access ASB guide here>

Commissioner's survey on police force merger plans - still time to have your say!

Commissioner Lisa Townsend is urging Surrey residents to let her know what they think of the government's proposals to merge Surrey Police with neighbouring forces.

Under plans for police reform announced in January, the Government intends to scrap the current 43 force system in England and Wales and create larger regional forces in their place.

It would likely mean Surrey Police will disappear and be merged with neighbouring forces in Sussex, Thames Valley, Kent and Hampshire.

The Commissioner has voiced her concern at the plans saying she believes it would result in police resources being pulled away from Surrey communities leaving it with a second-rate service.

Lisa said: "We must move with the times and reform is certainly needed but I am really concerned that the residents of Surrey will be left short-changed by these merger plans.

“A south-east region ‘mega force’ would be policing a population of over nine million people – that is more than Scotland and Wales put together.

“This is my view and I know it will not be shared by everyone. Although the Government are drawing the plans up, the public are not being consulted.

“That is why I have launched my survey. Whether you agree with the plans or not – I want to ensure the residents of Surrey have a voice on this really important decision."

Please click on the buttons below to fill in the survey and to read further information about the police reform proposals in the government White Paper: ‘From local to national: a new model for policing’.

The survey closes on Monday 17 August 2026.

Fill in survey here >

Read police reform proposals here >

Policing Your Community summer roadshow of events comes to a close.... well, almost!

Hundreds of Surrey residents attended, dozens of questions have been asked, and plenty of issues have been addressed as the curtain (almost) comes down on 2026's Policing your Community roadshow of events.

Over the last ten weeks, Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has been joined by Chief Constable Tim De Meyer or Deputy Chief Constable Mark McEwan and Borough Commanders to talk through plans and priorities in 10 of the 11 Surrey boroughs and districts. Plus, there was an online event for those unable to make their local event in person.

Issues raised by residents included incidents of anti-social behaviour involving dangerous e-bikes, e-scooters and car meets; catapult crime; shoplifting; and fraud.

Lisa said: "The Policing your Community events provide an opportunity to share our plans and the work that has been done within Surrey communities.

"Most importantly, it gives a forum for residents to speak to us directly, have their say and ask straight questions.

"Borough Commanders have been able to take notes away from the events and individual cases are being addressed.

Visiting each of Surrey’s boroughs and districts to hear the specific issues on the ground is a vital way for us to engage with local communities effectively by listening to their concerns and acting on them where possible.”

Unfortunately, Runnymede Borough's event in Chertsey had to be postponed due to a red extreme weather alert on the day. This event has been rescheduled for Tuesday 22 September.

Please register your place by clicking below.

Youth engagement: The dangers of social media

Commissioner Lisa Townsend has visited Esher C of E School to talk with students about the dangers of misinformation for their GCSE citizenship project.

Lisa spoke about the consequences of false information being spread online and how this can be better regulated by social media companies. She also shared with the students how Surrey Police are constantly learning from incidents such as the recent protests in Epsom.

Lisa said: "I was delighted to answer the students well researched questions on this really important topic.

Discussing with young people how social media companies and the police can work together to better regulate misinformation online - including why companies should crackdown on anonymised social media accounts - was a worthwhile exercise.

"I plan to engage directly with more groups of young people in the future to hear their views and answer their questions".

What's the point?

Commissioner Lisa Townsend is supporting Surrey Police's new knife campaign: 'What's the Point?'

The aim of the campaign is to encourage people to share information if they are concerned that someone is carrying a knife.

Research for the campaign has been funded through the Surrey Serious Violence Partnership which is convened by the Police and Crime Commissioner's Office.

The research found that
many people do not report concerns of knife carrying because they are unsure what happens afterwards, whether action will be taken, or if their identity will be protected. This campaign aims to answer those concerns.

When reporting concern of knife carrying, please remember:

For non-emergencies: Contact Surrey Police directly by calling 101, or by using the reporting form on the Surrey Police website.

For imminent danger and emergency: Always call 999.

Fearless is a dedicated youth service of the independent charity CrimeStoppers. Knife concerns can be reported 100% anonymously by using their online form or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please read more on the campaign below.